Edinburgh Castle joins landmarks around the globe by switching off its lights to highlight climate change

24 March 2014

Edinburgh Castle is to join landmarks from around the world in switching off its lights later this month to help raise awareness of the impact of climate change.

The castle is one of a number of global landmarks – including the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Sydney Opera House – to take part in Earth Hour, a WWF event which sees individuals, communities, cities and landmarks around the world switch off their lights simultaneously to show their support for action on climate change.

Edinburgh Castle is one of a number of Historic Scotland attractions that will be turning off their lights for one hour on 29 March 2014 at 8:30pm. Other participating Historic Scotland sites are Linlithgow Palace, Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle, Castle Campbell, Dundonald Castle, Ruthven Barracks and Arbroath Abbey.

Launched in Australia in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to be a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of people around the world participating. This year, 154 countries are expected to take part, with activities on social media being monitored using the hashtag #BeBrilliant.

Susan Loch, Head of Visitor Operations for Historic Scotland said: “A grassroots movement which has grown into a global phenomenon in just a few years, Earth Hour does a wonderful job of highlighting the problem of climate change. I am delighted that we will once again be supporting this worthwhile cause by joining landmarks around the world to switch off the floodlights at a number of our properties.

“As Scotland’s biggest operator of visitor attractions, reducing energy use in our properties is very important to us and as an agency, we are committed to reducing our carbon emissions, as outlined in our Climate Change Action Plan which was launched in 2012.”

Lang Banks, Director of WWF Scotland said: “It’s fantastic news that Historic Scotland is supporting WWF's Earth Hour yet again in 2014. This year looks set to be another amazing event with people, organisations and communities up and down the country joining together in a dramatic hour of action on climate change.

“WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way to show support for protecting our brilliant planet by tackling climate change. Historic Scotland's decision to become an Earth Hour star demonstrates their commitment to this issue. Earth Hour is our planet’s time to shine - we hope everyone will feel inspired to join us in a dazzling display of support by signing up today.”

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

Scotland welcomes the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014 providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games. The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run until 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country. Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage. Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners. To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com